Chapter 232

Zhao Ling was quite surprised upon hearing this, then a hint of delight appeared on his face.

Among the five cardinal human relationships, if one is missing, it inevitably gives rise to some regret.

Now that Fu Tingjun had relatives to visit, her days would gain a bit more solidity and liveliness.

He was genuinely happy for Fu Tingjun from the bottom of his heart, and was even more grateful that Fifth Cousin and Fifth Cousin-in-law were willing to acknowledge this kinship despite the Fu family's stance. He treated Fifth Cousin-in-law with somewhat more warmth than he would ordinarily show others, smiling as he made a bow with clasped hands.

The wife's account of this Ninth Sister, who had returned from the dead, was vague and ambiguous. Fifth Cousin-in-law knew there was likely something unusual behind it all, but one fights for one's standing in the husband's family, and one fights for one's standing in one's own family. Since his wife wasn't saying, he didn't press the matter. He simply thought that since his wife valued this Ninth Sister-in-law, and knowing that this Ninth Sister-in-law was not accepted by the Fu family, as a husband, he should stand with his wife. If he could appear at the Zhao family's ancestral rites, it would count as backing up his wife. Even if the Fu family found out, out of consideration for him, they wouldn't criticize too harshly.

When they actually arrived at Xi'an Prefecture and saw those normally arrogant Tengji Guard members acting meek and subservient as gatekeepers for the Zhao household, only then did he truly feel the weight of the fact that his wife's Ninth Sister had married a third-rank military official of the current dynasty, a favored minister of the emperor, and a figure of prominence at court.

Fifth Cousin-in-law couldn't help but feel uneasy.

If this Zhao Ling turned out to be an arrogant and domineering man, what was he to do?

His wife, however, thought simply: "Even if he is arrogant, he's still your brother-in-law. What are you afraid of?" She added, "If that's the case, we should all the more maintain the dignity befitting an elder sister and brother-in-law—the Fu family has already disowned Ninth Sister. If we cower and shrink because Ninth Sister's husband is an official, wouldn't that make people look down on Ninth Sister even more? You just be a proper brother-in-law and that's all!"

But he didn't see it that way: "After all, Ninth Sister-in-law is the one living with Ninth Sister's husband. As long as they're doing well, it doesn't hurt for us to be a bit tolerant!"

Fifth Cousin understood this reasoning too—she was merely afraid her husband might suffer some grievance. She nodded and said vaguely, "We'll see when the time comes."

At this moment, seeing that Zhao Ling treated him with respect and courtesy, Fifth Cousin-in-law couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief. He returned the greeting with even greater humility and asked Zhao Ling in a gentle voice about the journey.

Zhao Ling answered briefly, and Fu Tingjun introduced Third Cousin, Chunbing, and Yuanxiao to Zhao Ling.

Third Cousin hurriedly performed a blessing salute and withdrew to the side, while Chunbing and Yuanxiao knelt respectfully and performed the full kowtow ceremony to Zhao Ling.

Who was this Zhao Ling to them? The reason Third Cousin's two sons were shown such courtesy was solely because of Fu Tingjun.

Zhao Ling felt warmly toward both Third Cousin and Fifth Cousin.

He personally helped the two children up and asked amiably what their names were, how old they were, and what they liked.

The two children answered Zhao Ling's questions one by one with a maturity beyond their years, showing no excited expressions even in response to the elder's particular kindness.

Zhao Ling felt somewhat awkward.

Fu Tingjun couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

Zhao Ling then beckoned to Fu Tingjun: "Let me introduce someone to you..." Before his words had even faded, a stranger stepped out from the crowd behind him—a man wearing the scholar's robe that only those who studied could wear, around thirty years of age, with refined bearing.

Before Zhao Ling could introduce him, he had already saluted Fu Tingjun with a respectful smile: "Your nephew Zhao Qi pays respects to Ninth Aunt."

Fu Tingjun was greatly startled.

Zhao Ling laughed: "This is Zhenzhi from the outer sixth branch. Eighth Master is unwell and can no longer serve as clan head of the Songjiang Zhao clan, so everyone elected Zhenzhi to take over. Although we have established a separate ancestral hall, we trace our origins to Songjiang. Zhenzhi accompanied me all this way north to escort my parents' coffins precisely to legitimize our establishment of a new ancestral hall and lineage."

So it seemed the matter in Songjiang had been settled according to plan.

Fu Tingjun couldn't help but let a smile escape the corner of her mouth.

She bent her knees in a blessing salute to Zhao Qi and said politely, "Many thanks, Clan Head!"

Zhao Qi hurriedly bowed in return: "I dare not accept such a grand salute from Ninth Aunt." He added, "I am ranked seventeenth in the family. If Ninth Aunt doesn't mind, you may simply call me Seventeen."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Fu Tingjun said with a smile, exchanging pleasantries with Zhao Qi.

Because when Fu Tingjun had been selecting a burial site for her father-in-law and mother-in-law, she had considered that the Zhao family's properties were most concentrated in Dongjiang Village, and had ultimately chosen a plot of roughly a hundred mu of inferior-grade farmland beside their own estate, they still needed to hurry on to Dongjiang Village. When their conversation came to a pause, Zhao Ling smiled: "Zhenzhi will be traveling with us to the capital afterward. There will be plenty of time to talk—we can save it for later. Shall we head to Dongjiang Village first? If we delay any longer, I'm afraid we'll miss the auspicious hour." He also invited Third Cousin to ride in the same carriage as Fu Tingjun: "...You are older than A-jun, and A-jun is with child now—she fears jostling above all. Were it not for the fact that this is to relocate my parents' graves, I would never have allowed her to make such a long journey. There's still half a day's travel to Dongjiang Village. Please look after her along the way."

Third Cousin readily agreed upon hearing this.

Mother Tong carried Youyou up into Third Cousin's carriage.

Youyou pouted her lips. Though she was quite unwilling inside, she knew her third aunt was doing this to take care of her mother, so she obediently sat down beside Yuanxiao.

Yuanxiao chatted with her: "When my grandmother passed away, I also went to the ancestral graves. There were lots of tombstones and lots of trees. My uncle said that when we die, we'll all be buried there too. Cousin Zhao, will you also be buried in East Jiang Village in the future? Are you scared? I feel a bit scared..."

Youyou's hair stood on end listening to this. But she noticed Chunbing sitting upright and proper, clearly pricking up his ears to listen to their conversation while pretending to look casual. She didn't want to let Yuanxiao have the upper hand. She said, "What's there to be afraid of? My father is incredibly capable! He even captured the Tartar chieftain, and the emperor rewarded me with several bolts of fine cloth. Mother said she'll make me new clothes for New Year, and we'll go to the palace to thank the Grand Empress Dowager."

Since Zhao Ling was away from home for long periods, Fu Tingjun feared the children would grow distant from him, so she often told them stories about him.

Yuanxiao showed an envious look: "You've even been to the imperial palace and seen the emperor. You're really something." Then he added, "Is the palace fun? Is the emperor very imposing? Does he sit in a palace made of gold and chop off the heads of anyone who disobeys..."

Youyou hadn't actually seen the emperor either, so she guessed wildly: "Of course! The emperor is the Son of Heaven..."

Yuanxiao propped his chin on his hand, full of envy: "It must be great to be the emperor..."

The two children babbled nonsense, drifting further and further off track.

Chunbing grew anxious.

Father had once said that heaven, earth, rulers, parents, and teachers were all beyond reproach.

He couldn't help but clear his throat lightly and said, "What nonsense are you talking! What has Father taught us? Careful—I'll tell Father when we get back!"

Yuanxiao immediately sat up straight and obediently, not daring to ask any more questions.

Youyou suddenly felt rather bored. Remembering that Yuanxiao had just been scolded by Chunbing, she was afraid that if she initiated conversation it would get Yuanxiao in trouble too. She felt even more displeased with Chunbing and secretly shot him a glare.

But Chunbing happened to be looking her way and caught her expression completely.

Do not look at what is improper; do not speak of what is improper.

This was what her mother had just taught her two days ago.

Glaring at Chunbing like that was naturally wrong of her.

But why did Chunbing have to look over at that exact moment and catch her in the act?

Youyou was mortified and turned angry.

She thought Chunbing was sneaky and underhanded—definitely not a good person!

She gave a soft "hmph" and turned her face away.

Chunbing felt utterly bewildered.

He had only wanted to explain what had happened that day to Youyou. How was it that before he even opened his mouth, she was already angry again!

So should he still explain it to her or not?

His intuition told him this wasn't a good time, but the unease in his heart made him feel he absolutely had to say something.

After thinking it over, Chunbing still felt the sooner this misunderstanding was cleared up, the better. That way Youyou wouldn't be angry anymore and would treat him the same as Yuanxiao, sharing all her good food and fun things.

"Cousin Zhao," he said somewhat urgently, "I heard from Mother that the balsam flower is also called bone-penetrating herb or golden phoenix flower. It comes in many colors, and it can dispel wind and relieve pain, invigorate blood and reduce swelling. It's a very good medicinal herb..."

Youyou silently scorned this older cousin.

He had actually told Third Aunt about that matter... Just now Yuanxiao had only been a bit talkative, and he had threatened to tell Third Uncle...

She never wanted to talk to him again.

Youyou called out, "Mother Tong," and asked, "When will we reach Chang'an?"

Mother Tong had been sitting nearby with a smile, listening to the children talk. She laughed and said, "Mother has never been to Chang'an either. I don't know when we'll arrive. How about I ask the carriage driver?"

"Alright!" Youyou crawled over, lifted the carriage curtain, and poked her head out to ask the driver: "Uncle, when will we reach Chang'an?"

The driver was a servant of the Shen family, the most steady and composed one, which was why Third Cousin had brought him along on this trip.

He laughed and said, "Young miss, get back inside the carriage. The wind is strong out here—mind you don't catch a chill." Then he added, "We'll reach Chang'an in at most another half hour."

Youyou withdrew back into the carriage.

Mother Tong quickly gathered her up: "Dear young miss, Mother said she would ask for you—why did you go running out yourself?"

Youyou giggled and nestled into Mother Tong's arms, not wanting to get up.

Mother Tong then held her and hummed a tune.

Youyou grew drowsy and actually fell asleep.

Chunbing was filled with regret.

Even when they arrived at the Zhao family cemetery in East Jiang Village, his spirits remained low.

Third Cousin thought her eldest son was just tired from the carriage ride, so she put her arm around him and said softly, "Are you still holding up alright?"

Chunbing quickly shook his head: "Mother, I'm fine."

Third Cousin wanted to comfort her son a bit more, but the Taoist priests and Buddhist monks the Zhao family had invited had already begun the rites. The thumping of wooden fish drums and the droning of sutra chanting pressed in wave after wave.

The grave relocation ceremony had officially begun.

Third Cousin had no choice but to release her son and walk over to Fu Tingjun's side.

"If you're feeling unwell, don't push yourself," she said, raising her voice to shout into Fu Tingjun's ear over the clamor of the Taoist priests and monks. "The child matters most."

At a time like this, speaking meant shouting, which made one appear disrespectful to the ancestors.

Fu Tingjun nodded to show she understood.

Third Cousin said no more.

Opening the grave, lowering the coffin, reading the eulogy, erecting the tombstone... After all that effort, dusk had already fallen.

Fu Tingjun and the others reboarded the carriage and headed to the residence she had purchased in Chang'an County to rest for the night.

Third Cousin then asked Fu Tingjun in a low voice, "What's the story with that Zhao Qi?"

"How would I know about the Zhao family's affairs?" Fu Tingjun said, winking at Third Cousin.

"You little minx." Third Cousin couldn't help but laugh, then sighed in admiration. "Such a major matter, and Zhao Ling handled it without batting an eye. No wonder you're so convinced by him—he truly has real skill."

But Fu Tingjun wouldn't have it: "I respect him because he treats me well."

Such defense of Zhao Ling... Third Cousin looked at Fu Tingjun and chuckled.

Fu Tingjun's face flushed red.